STACK NZ Jul #75

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With comic book franchises continuing to dominate the global box office, DC have upped the ante with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice , pitting its two iconic superheroes against each other and laying the foundations for an expanded universe. Words: Adam Colby

really interesting dynamic. They allow that sort of complexity, I think, and that was really fun." Snyder describes the showdown between the two in the film as a meticulous piece of work that required weeks of shooting. “When you see the film, the big fight looks like it just flows, like it’s a single moment. It’s inside a building with rain machines and all these things. All these elements have to Even though these two are on a collision course, neither of them is exactly wrong in his analysis of the other one come together, so it can be an uncomfortable experience in a lot of ways for these guys, because of the meticulous nature of photography,” he explains. “But they were amazing troupers. They did all the preparation, worked all the hours and never complained. And I couldn’t be happier, from my point of view, with the result.” Affleck’s casting as Batman, directly following Christian Bale’s performance in the Christopher Nolan films, proved to be a controversial choice with fans when first announced. The ensuing Bat-lash sent social media into meltdown, but didn’t faze the actor. “Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. I wouldn’t have taken the

T he opportunity to set these two DC heroes against each other on screen was a dream come true for director Zack Snyder, but the big question that needed to be addressed was, could there be an actual victor? “The truth is that if you just started out with Batman and Superman, obviously Superman would win because he’s an alien – he’s invulnerable – and Batman is just a human being,” offers Ben Affleck, who plays the latest incarnation of the Dark Knight. “But in the story you’ll see there are various reasons why their powers are evened out a bit, and made more equal. Then it’s a question of... I don’t want to say character, but determination. You’ll have to see the movie to find out who wins.” Collateral damage from the battle with General Zod, as well as some meddling from a certain Alexander Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), provides the catalyst that sets the two against each other. With great power must come great responsibility, and the Dark Knight holds the Man of Steel (Henry Cavill) responsible. "As far as the right and wrong aspect of it goes, of course both of these characters – Batman and Superman – are heroes from their point of view, and from the point of view of those they may protect, but not those who rue the day they mete out justice,” explains Zack Snyder. “So it was fun to construct a story where you had to go into the other person’s perspective. And even though these two are on a collision course, neither of them is necessarily wrong in his

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analysis of the other one. These are such rich characters with a

JULY 2016

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